Meter roller for an agricultural metering system

ABSTRACT

A meter roller for an agricultural metering system includes a spindle having a driven shaft, a first ring, and a second ring. The first ring and the second ring are rigidly coupled to the driven shaft, and the driven shaft is configured to engage a drive shaft to facilitate rotation of the spindle. The meter roller also includes a sealing ring longitudinally disposed between the first ring and the second ring. An outer diameter of the sealing ring is less than or equal to an outer diameter of the first ring and an outer diameter of the second ring, and the sealing ring is formed from a material having sufficient resilience to enable the sealing ring to stretch to facilitate disposition of the sealing ring between the first ring and the second ring.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates generally to a meter roller for an agriculturalmetering system.

Generally, seeding implements (e.g., seeders) are towed behind a tractoror other work vehicle via a mounting bracket secured to a rigid frame ofthe implement. Seeding implements typically include multiple row unitsdistributed across a width of the implement. Each row unit is configuredto deposit seeds at a target depth beneath the soil surface of a field,thereby establishing rows of planted seeds. For example, each row unittypically includes a ground engaging tool or opener that forms a seedingpath (e.g., trench) for seed deposition into the soil. A seed tube(e.g., coupled to the opener) is configured to deposit seeds and/orother agricultural products (e.g., fertilizer) into the trench. Theopener/seed tube may be followed by closing discs that move displacedsoil back into the trench and/or a packer wheel that packs the soil ontop of the deposited seeds.

In certain configurations, an air cart is used to meter and deliveragricultural product (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, etc.) to the row units ofthe seeding implement. The air cart generally includes a storage tank(e.g., a pressurized tank), an air source (e.g., a blower), and ametering system. The product is typically gravity fed from the storagetank to the metering system which distributes a desired volume ofproduct into an air flow generated by the air source. The air flowcarries the product to the row units via conduits extending between theair cart and the seeding implement. The metering system typicallyincludes meter rollers that regulate the flow of product based on meterroller geometry and rotation rate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In certain embodiments, a meter roller for an agricultural meteringsystem includes a spindle having a driven shaft, a first ring, and asecond ring. The first ring and the second ring are rigidly coupled tothe driven shaft, and the driven shaft is configured to engage a driveshaft to facilitate rotation of the spindle. The meter roller alsoincludes a sealing ring longitudinally disposed between the first ringand the second ring. The first ring and the second ring are configuredto substantially block longitudinal movement of the sealing ringrelative to the spindle, the sealing ring is disposed about an entirecircumference of the spindle, an outer diameter of the sealing ring isless than or equal to an outer diameter of the first ring and an outerdiameter of the second ring, and the sealing ring is formed from amaterial having sufficient resilience to enable the sealing ring tostretch to facilitate disposition of the sealing ring between the firstring and the second ring.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an air cart, including ametering system configured to regulate a flow of particulate material;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a metering system thatmay be employed within the air cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a meteringsystem that may be employed within the air cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the metering system of FIG. 3, in whicha cartridge is disposed within a meter box;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the metering system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the metering system of FIG. 3, in whichthe cartridge is removed from the meter box;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 4, inwhich a meter roller is removed from a housing of the cartridge;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the cartridge of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is an exploded back perspective view of the meter roller of FIG.7, in which profile inserts and a sealing ring are removed from aspindle;

FIG. 10 is an exploded front perspective view of the meter roller ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the meter roller of FIG. 7, takenalong line 11-11 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the meter roller of FIG. 7, takenalong line 12-12 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the meter roller of FIG.7;

FIG. 14 is a back view of the sealing ring of FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing ring of FIG. 9, takenalong line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top view of an embodiment of a profile insert that may beused on the meter roller of FIG. 7;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the profile insert of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a top view of another embodiment of a profile insert that maybe used on the meter roller of FIG. 7;

FIG. 19 is a front view of the profile insert of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a top view of a further embodiment of a profile insert thatmay be used on the meter roller of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 21 is a front view of the profile insert of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a side view of an air cart 10that may be used in conjunction with a towable agricultural implement todeposit seeds into soil. For example, certain agricultural implementsinclude row units configured to open the soil, dispense seeds into thesoil opening, and re-close the soil. Such implements are generallycoupled to a tow vehicle, such as a tractor, and pulled through a field.In certain configurations, seeds are conveyed to the row units by theillustrated air cart 10, which is generally towed in sequence with theimplement along a direction of travel 11 (e.g., behind the implement orin front of the implement). In certain configurations, the air cart 10may be configured to provide fertilizer to the row units, or acombination of seeds and fertilizer.

In the illustrated embodiment, the air cart 10 includes a storage tank12, a frame 14, wheels 16, a metering system 18, and an air source 20.In certain configurations, the storage tank 12 includes multiplecompartments for storing various flowable particulate materials. Forexample, one compartment may include seeds, such as canola or mustard,and another compartment may include a dry fertilizer. In suchconfigurations, the air cart 10 is configured to deliver both the seedsand fertilizer to the implement. The frame 14 includes a towing hitchconfigured to couple to the implement or tow vehicle. As discussed indetail below, seeds and/or fertilizer within the storage tank 12 aregravity fed into the metering system 18. The metering system 18 includesone or more meter rollers that regulate the flow of material from thestorage tank 12 into an air flow provided by the air source 20. The airflow then carries the material to the implement by pneumatic conduits.In this manner, the row units receive a supply of seeds and/orfertilizer for deposition within the soil.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the metering system 18, as shown inFIG. 1. As illustrated, the air source 20 is coupled to a conduit 22configured to flow air 24 past the metering system 18. The air source 20may be a pump or blower powered by an electric or hydraulic motor, forexample. Flowable particulate material 26 (e.g., seeds, fertilizer,etc.) within the storage tank 12 flows by gravity into the meteringsystem 18. In certain embodiments, the storage tank 12 is pressurizedsuch that a static pressure in the tank 12 is greater than a staticpressure in the conduit 22, thereby facilitating an even flow ofmaterial through the metering system 18. The metering system 18 includesone or more meter rollers 28 configured to regulate the flow of material26 into the air flow 24. In certain embodiments, the metering system 18may include multiple meter rollers 28 (e.g., housed within individualmeter boxes) disposed adjacent to one another. In addition, certainmetering systems 18 may include twelve meter rollers 28, each housedwithin an individual meter box and each configured to flow particulatematerial into a respective conduit 22 (e.g., of a material distributionsystem) for distribution to one or more respective row units of theagricultural implement. However, in alternative embodiments, themetering system 18 may include more or fewer meter rollers, e.g., 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, or more. By independently adjusting therotation speed of each meter roller, product flow to different portionsof the implement may be particularly controlled.

In the illustrated embodiment, the meter roller 28 is coupled to a driveassembly 30 configured to drive the meter roller 28 to rotate. Incertain embodiments, the drive assembly 30 includes at least one driveunit, such as an electric or hydraulic motor, configured to drive one ormore meter rollers to rotate. For example, in certain embodiments,multiple drive units may be coupled to respective meter rollers tofacilitate independent control of the rotation rates of the meterrollers. In further embodiments, the drive assembly 30 may be coupled toa wheel (e.g., via a gear assembly) such that rotation of the wheeldrives the meter roller 28 to rotate. Such a configuration automaticallyvaries the rotation rate of the meter roller 28 based on the speed ofthe air cart.

The meter roller 28 also includes protrusions, such as the illustratedflutes 32, and recesses 34. Each respective recess 34 is disposedbetween a respective pair of flutes 32. As the meter roller 28 rotates,the respective pair of flutes 32 moves the material 26 (e.g.,agricultural product) disposed within the respective recess 34downwardly, thereby transferring the material 26 to the conduit 22. Thenumber and geometry of the flutes 32 are particularly configured toaccommodate the material 26 being distributed. Certain meter rollers 28may include six flutes 32 and a corresponding number of recesses 34.Alternative meter rollers may include more or fewer flutes 32 and/orrecesses 34. For example, the meter roller 28 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more flutes32 and/or recesses 34. In addition, the depth of the recesses 34 and/orthe height of the flutes 32 are configured to accommodate the material26 within the storage tank 12. For example, a meter roller having deeperrecesses 34 and fewer flutes 32 may be employed for larger seeds, whilea meter roller having shallower recesses 34 and more flutes 32 may beemployed for smaller seeds. Other parameters such as flute pitch (i.e.,angle of the flute relative to a longitudinal/rotational axis) and fluteangle (i.e., angle of the flute relative to a radial axis) may also beparticularly selected to accommodate the material 26. While theillustrated meter roller includes flutes, it should be appreciated thatin alternative embodiments, the meter roller may include otherprotrusions, and/or the recesses may be omitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rotationally axis of the meter roller28 is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of travel 11 ofthe air cart. As used herein, substantially parallel may refer to anangle of about 0 to about 45 degrees, about 0 to about 30 degrees, about0 to about 15 degrees, about 0 to about 5 degrees, or about 0 to about 1degree relative to an axis/direction (e.g., the direction of travel 11).By way of example, substantially parallel may refer to an angle lessthan 5 degrees, less than 4 degrees, less than 3 degrees, less than 2degrees, less than 1 degree, or less than 0.5 degrees relative to anaxis/direction. In further embodiments, the meter roller may be orientedsubstantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, or at any othersuitable angle.

For a particular meter roller configuration/profile, the rotation rateof the meter roller 28 controls the flow of material 26 into the airflow 24. For example, as the meter roller 28 rotates, the meter rollertransfers material through an opening 36 in the metering system 18 intoa respective conduit 22 (e.g., into a conduit associated with arespective row unit or group of row units). The material then mixes withair from the air source 20, thereby forming an air/material mixture 38.The mixture then flows to the respective row unit(s) of the implementvia pneumatic conduit(s), where the seeds and/or fertilizer aredeposited within the soil.

Different flowable particulate materials may include particles ofdifferent sizes. For example, seeds, such as sunflower, may have acoarse particle size, fertilizer, such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP),may have a medium particle size, and inoculant, such as a granularmicrobial soil inoculant, may have a fine particle size. Moreover, thetarget application rate may vary based on the type of flowableparticulate material being dispensed. For example, the target flow rateof certain seeds or fertilizers may be higher than the target flow rateof other seeds or fertilizers. Accordingly, certain embodiments of themetering system disclosed herein may facilitate removal and replacementof meter rollers, thereby enabling an operator to select a meter rollersuitable for a particular flowable particulate material and for a targetdispensing rate (e.g., a target rate for particular field conditions,climate, expected yield, etc.).

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a meteringsystem 18 that may be employed within the air cart of FIG. 1. Themetering system 18 includes a meter box 40 and a drive assembly 30. Themeter box 40 has a passage 42 configured to direct the flowableparticulate material to the conduit 22 for transfer to a row unit orgroup of row units. As shown in FIG. 3, the meter box 40 has a firstside 43 (e.g., drive side) for receiving a drive unit 46 of the driveassembly 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 46 includes adrive shaft 44 and a motor (e.g., electric motor) 45 that drives thedrive shaft to rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Thedrive unit 46 and the meter box 40 include apertures 50 configured toreceive fasteners (e.g., bolts) 52 to secure the drive unit 46 to themeter box 40. The drive shaft 44 is inserted into an opening 54 in themeter box such that the drive shaft 44 engages the meter roller withinthe meter box 40. The drive shaft 44 is configured to drive the meterroller to rotate. A bearing (e.g., ball bearing) 56 facilitates rotationof the drive shaft 44 and meter roller within the meter box 40. As theconduit 22 transfers air under the passage 42, the motor (e.g., electricmotor) of the drive unit 46 drives the drive shaft 44 to rotate themeter roller. As the meter roller rotates, the meter roller dispensesflowable particulate material via the passage 42 to the air flow withinthe conduit 22 to form the air/material mixture. Further, pressurizedair from the tank may flow through the passage 42 with the material fromthe meter roller.

In the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 44 includes a firstengagement feature 58, such as protrusions, configured to non-rotatablycouple the drive shaft 44 to the meter roller. The protrusions mayengage corresponding recesses of the meter roller, thereby non-rotatablycoupling the drive shaft 44 to the meter roller. While the drive unit 46includes an electric motor in the illustrated embodiment, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, the drive unit may includeany other suitable system configured to drive rotation of the meterroller, such as a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, or a gear assemblycoupled to a wheel of the air cart.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the metering system 18 of FIG. 3, inwhich a cartridge 60 is disposed within the meter box 40. As discussedin detail below, the cartridge 60 (e.g., modular meter roller cartridge)is configured to facilitate removal and installation of the meter rollervia a meter box opening on a second side 61 (e.g., cartridge side) ofthe meter box 40. As illustrated, the meter box 40 houses the cartridge60 while the cartridge is disposed within the opening. While thecartridge 60 is housed within the meter box 40 of the metering system 18in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that inalternative embodiments, the meter box may house a meter roller withouta cartridge, or the meter box may house multiple cartridges (e.g., 2, 3,4, 5, 6, or more).

In the illustrated embodiment, the metering system 18 is configured toenable the cartridge 60 to engage the meter box 40 via the meter boxopening in the second side 61 (e.g., cartridge side) of the meter box40. While the cartridge 60 is engaged with the meter box 40, the shaftof the drive unit engages the meter roller, thereby enabling the meterroller to be driven in rotation. The cartridge 60 has a cross-sectionalshape that substantially corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of themeter box opening. As illustrated, the meter box 40 includes twocartridge locking tabs 62 configured to selectively block removal of thecartridge 60 from the meter box 40, thereby retaining the cartridge 60within the meter box 40. In the illustrated embodiment, each locking tab62 is part of a rotatable latch configured to rotate between theillustrated locked position that blocks removal of the cartridge 60 fromthe meter box 40 and an unlocked position that facilitates removal ofthe cartridge 60 from the meter box 40. In certain embodiments, eachcartridge locking tab includes a recess that engages a correspondingnotch on the cartridge 60 to block unintentional rotation of therotatable latch while the rotatable latch is in the locked position(e.g., due to vibrations of the air cart). The cartridge 60 may beremoved by rotating each rotatable latch in a respective first directionand extracting the cartridge 60. Further, the cartridge 60 may beinserted by engaging the cartridge with the meter box 40, and thenrotating each latch in a respective second direction, opposite therespective first direction. While each cartridge locking tab 62 is partof a rotatable latch in the illustrated embodiment, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, the cartridge locking tabmay be part of a spring latch, a bolt latch, or any suitable type oflocking mechanism. Furthermore, while the illustrated meter box includestwo locking tabs, it should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, the meter box may include more or fewer locking tabs (e.g.,1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge 60includes a releasable bearing coupler 68. As discussed in detail below,the releasable bearing coupler 68 retains the meter roller within thecartridge, facilitates rotation of the meter roller within thecartridge, and facilitates removal of the meter roller from thecartridge.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the metering system 18 of FIG. 3. Asillustrated, the cartridge 60 is engaged with/disposed within the meterbox 40 of the metering system 18. The cartridge 60 includes a housing 70configured to rotatably support the meter roller 28 within the meter box40 (e.g., the housing 70 is secured to the meter box while the meterroller 28 rotates). The housing 70 includes a first side 72 (e.g.,cartridge drive side) and a second side 74 (e.g., cartridge bearingside), which correspond to the first side 43 and second side 61 of themeter box 40, respectively.

The cartridge 60 includes a bearing opening 76 for receiving thereleasable bearing coupler 68, and in certain embodiments, a meterroller bearing 78, which may engage the meter roller 28. The meterroller 28 includes a driven shaft 80 configured to engage the driveshaft of the drive unit, thereby non-rotatably coupling the drive shaftto the meter roller. The driven shaft 80 includes a second engagementfeature 84 (e.g., recesses) configured to selectively engage the firstengagement feature (e.g., protrusions) of the drive shaft. The drivenshaft may be an integral part of a meter roller spindle, and the flutesand recesses of the meter roller may be formed on one or more meterroller inserts non-rotatably coupled to the spindle. While the secondengagement feature includes recesses in the illustrated embodiment, itshould be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the secondengagement feature may include a cavity having a polygonal cross-sectionand configured to engage the drive shaft having a correspondingpolygonal cross-section (e.g., first engagement feature). Furthermore,while the illustrated second engagement feature 84 facilitiesshape-based engagement with the first engagement feature, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, any variety of suitableinterlocking mechanisms may be utilized for non-rotatably coupling themeter roller to the drive shaft.

In the illustrated embodiment, a drive bearing 86 is used to facilitaterotation of the drive shaft within the meter box. The drive bearing 86,the driven shaft 80, the drive shaft, and the meter roller bearing 78associated with the releasable bearing coupler 68 are in longitudinalalignment, thereby facilitating rotation of the meter roller 28 inresponse to rotation of the drive shaft. The meter roller bearing 78 maybe coupled to the releasable bearing coupler 68, the driven shaft 80, orit may be a separate individual element. While the cartridge 60 isengaged with/disposed within the meter box 40, the housing 70 rotatablysupports/houses the meter roller 28. To change a meter roller 28, theoperator may remove the cartridge 60, replace the meter roller 28, andthen reinstall the cartridge 60. Alternatively, the operator may removethe cartridge 60 and replace the cartridge with another cartridge thatcontains a different meter roller or with a different cartridge type.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the metering system of FIG. 3, in whichthe cartridge 60 is removed from the meter box 40. To remove thecartridge 60, the operator may rotate the rotatable latches to theunlocked position, in which the locking tabs 62 are positioned tofacilitate removal of the cartridge, and extract the cartridge 60 fromthe meter box 40. As illustrated, the cross-sectional shape of thecartridge 60 (e.g., the cross-sectional shape of the first side 72, thecross-sectional shape of the second side 74, etc.) substantiallycorrespond to the cross-sectional shape of the meter box opening 88.

As illustrated, the meter roller 28 includes flutes 32 and recesses 34,which are configured to enable the meter roller 28 to control the flowof the flowable particulate material into the passage 42. The meterroller 28 is rotatably supported on the second side 74 of the meterroller cartridge 60 by the releasable bearing coupler 68. Once thecartridge 60 is removed from the meter box 40, the releasable bearingcoupler 68 may be disengaged and removed from the meter roller/housing.Once the rotatable bearing coupler 68 is removed, the meter roller 28may be removed through an opening 90, thereby enabling insertion ofanother meter roller (e.g., suitable for use with material having alarger or small particle size, and/or for a higher or lower targetapplication rate).

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 60 of FIG. 4, inwhich the meter roller 28 is removed from the housing 70 of thecartridge 60. The housing 70 of the cartridge 60 has a drive shaftopening 92 on the first side 72 of the housing 70 and the bearingopening 76 on the second side 74 of the housing 70. The housing 70 alsohas the meter roller opening 90 and material receiving openings 94. Thematerial receiving openings 94 are configured to receive the flowableparticulate material into the housing 70, thereby enabling the meterroller 28 to receive the material.

To couple the meter roller 28 to the housing 70, the meter roller 28 isdisposed within the housing 70 through the meter roller opening 90.While the meter roller 28 is disposed within the housing 70, the driveshaft opening 92 on the first side 72 of the housing 70 aligns with thedrive shaft opening (e.g., a recess or interior cavity) of the drivenshaft. In addition, the bearing opening 76 on the second side 74 of thehousing 70 aligns with a bearing opening 96 (e.g., a recess or interiorcavity) of the meter roller 28. The bearing opening 96 may be configuredto receive the bearing 78 or the bearing may be fixedly mounted withinthe opening 96. The openings of the meter roller 28 and cartridge 60 arelongitudinally aligned with one another and with the drive shaft.

The meter roller cartridge 60 and/or the releasable bearing coupler 68may include gaskets 100. While two gaskets 100 (e.g., O-rings) areincluded in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that inalternative embodiments, any suitable number of gaskets (e.g., O-rings)may be used to seal adjacent parts. Once the meter roller 28 is disposedwithin the housing 70, the bearing opening 96 may receive the releasablebearing coupler 68, and in certain embodiments the meter roller bearing78, via the bearing opening 76 in the housing 70. The meter rollerbearing 78 may be fixedly coupled to the meter roller 28 or fixedlycoupled to the releasable bearing coupler 68 in certain embodiments. Infurther embodiments, the meter roller bearing 78 may be an independentelement. The releasable bearing coupler 68 may include the bearing 78,or the releasable bearing coupler 68 may be configured to engage thebearing 78 with a shaft of the releasable bearing coupler 68.Accordingly, the bearing 78 may be configured to engage the opening 96of the meter roller 28 to facilitate rotation of the meter roller 28relative to the housing 70 (e.g., rotation about the shaft of thereleasable bearing coupler). The bearing coupler 68 is configured toengage the bearing opening 76 and to couple to the housing 70 viacorresponding locking elements of the bearing coupler 68 and the housing70. For example, the locking elements may interlock with one another viarotation of the bearing coupler 68 relative to the housing, therebycoupling the bearing coupler 68 to the housing 70. While the bearingcoupler 68 is coupled to the housing 70, the shaft of the bearingcoupler 68 rotatably supports the meter roller 28 and secures the meterroller to the housing 70.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the cartridge 60 of FIG. 4. In the illustratedembodiment, the meter roller 28 within the cartridge 60 is configured tometer flowable particulate material having fine particles at a low rate.Accordingly, the aggregate volume of the recesses may be less than ameter roller configured to meter larger particles at a faster rate. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the circumferential extent of each flute 32(e.g., extent of each flute 32 along a circumferential axis 102) is atleast 1.5 times greater than the circumferential extent of each recess34 (e.g., extent of each recess 34 along the circumferential axis 102)along an entire longitudinal extent 104 or 105 of the flute 32 and therecess 34 (e.g., the entire extent 104 of the flute 32 and the recess 34of a first rank 132 along a longitudinal axis 106, and an entire extent105 of the flutes 32 and the recesses 34 of a second rank 134 along thelongitudinal axis 106). Furthermore, the entire longitudinal extent 104or 105 of each flute 32 and each recess 34 is greater than thecircumferential extent of the flute and the circumferential extent ofthe recess.

In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal extent 104 of the flutes32 and recesses 34 of the first rank 132 is substantially equal to awidth 108 of a respective material receiving opening 94 (e.g., extent ofthe material receiving opening 94 along the longitudinal axis 106). Inaddition, the longitudinal extent 105 of the flutes 32 and recesses 34of the second rank 134 is substantially equal to a width 109 of arespective material receiving opening 94 (e.g., extent of the materialreceiving opening 94 along the longitudinal axis 106). For example, theflute/recess longitudinal extent 104, 105 and the opening width 108, 109may be between about 20 and about 75 mm, about 30 and about 50 mm, about47.5 mm, or about 32.5 mm. As previously discussed, the flowableparticulate material flows through the material receiving openings 94 tothe meter roller 28. The width 108, 109 of the material receivingopenings substantially reduces or eliminates the possibility of theopenings becoming blocked due to clumping of the flowable agriculturalproduct (e.g., as compared to a narrower opening, such as the auxiliaryopening 110, which is currently blocked). However, the wider openingsenable more flowable particulate material to flow to the meter roller.Accordingly, the illustrated meter roller 28 includes recesses 34 thathave a small aggregate volume to establish a low flow rate for aparticular meter roller rotation speed. For example, as previouslydiscussed, the recesses are circumferentially spaced apart from oneanother by more than 1.5 times the circumferential extent of therecesses. In addition, the depth of each recess (e.g., extent of therecess along a radial axis 112) is shallow to reduce the aggregatevolume of the recesses. As a result of the meter roller configuration,the meter roller may provide flowable particulate material to thedistribution system at a low flow rate while substantially reducing oreliminating the possibility of blocking the material receiving openingswith clumped material.

Meter rollers may be characterized by a ratio of aggregate recess volumeto width of the material receiving opening. In the illustratedembodiment, each recess 34 of the first rank 132 has a volume of about183 mm³, and each rank (e.g., the first rank 132 and the second rank134) has nine recesses. Accordingly, the aggregate recess volume for thefirst rank 132 is about 1643 mm³. As previously discussed, the width 108of the respective material receiving opening 94 (e.g., the opening 94configured to provide flowable particulate material to the first rank132) is about 47.5 mm. Accordingly, the ratio of aggregate recess volumeto opening width for the first rank 132 is about 34. However, it shouldbe appreciated that in certain embodiments, the ratio may be higher orlower (e.g., depending on the number of recesses and the volume of eachrecess). For example, to establish a low flow rate of fine particulatematerial while substantially reducing or eliminating the possibility ofblocking the material receiving openings, the ratio may be less thanabout 50, less than about 45, less than about 40, less than about 35, orless than about 30. Utilizing such a meter roller profile may enable themotor of the drive unit to rotate the meter roller at a speed sufficientto facilitate precise control of the meter roller rotation rate (e.g.,as compared to rotating a meter roller having a larger aggregate recessvolume slower than a minimum controllable speed of the motor).

In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis 114 of each flute32 is substantially parallel to the rotational axis 116 of the meterroller 28. In addition, the longitudinal axis 118 of each recess 34 issubstantially parallel to the rotational axis 116 of the meter roller28. However, as discussed in detail below, in alternative embodiments,the longitudinal axis of each flute and the longitudinal axis of eachrecess may be oriented at an angle (e.g., of at least 2 degrees)relative to the rotational axis of the meter roller. Furthermore, incertain embodiments, the flutes and recesses may follow a curved pathfrom one longitudinal side of a rank to the other longitudinal side ofthe rank.

In the illustrated embodiment, the meter roller 28 is formed from aspindle 120 and profile inserts 122. As discussed in detail below, theprofile inserts, which form the flutes and recesses of the meter roller,are arranged in ranks, and the profile inserts of each rank are coupledto one another and non-rotatably coupled to the spindle. Accordingly, asthe drive shaft drives the spindle 120, which includes the driven shaft,to rotate, the profile inserts 122 are driven to rotate, therebyinducing the flutes and the recesses to meter the flowable particulatematerial to the distribution system. In the illustrated embodiment, thespindle 120 includes a first ring 124, a second ring 126, a third ring128, and a fourth ring 130. Each ring is rigidly and non-rotatablycoupled to (e.g., integrally formed with) the driven shaft. A first rank132 of profile inserts 122 is longitudinally disposed between the firstring 124 and the second ring 126, and a second rank 134 of profileinserts 122 is longitudinal disposed between the second ring 126 and thethird ring 128. In addition, a sealing ring 136 is longitudinallydisposed between the third ring 128 and the fourth ring 130. Asdiscussed in detail below, the sealing ring 136 is configured to blockthe flowable particulate material from entering an interior of thespindle 120.

FIG. 9 is an exploded back perspective view of the meter roller 28 ofFIG. 7, in which the profile inserts 122 and the sealing ring 136 areremoved from the spindle 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstrank 132 is formed by two profile inserts 122, and the second rank 134is formed by two profile inserts 122. Accordingly, each profile insert122 extends about only a portion of the circumference of the spindle120. As previously discussed, the profile inserts of each rank areconfigured to couple to one another and to non-rotatably couple to thespindle. In the illustrated embodiment, each profile insert 122 includesa first coupling element, such as the illustrated protrusion 138, and asecond coupling element, such as the illustrated recess 140. For eachrank, the protrusion 138 of each profile insert 122 is configured toengage a corresponding recess 140 of the other profile insert 122.Engagement of the protrusions and the recesses couples the profileinserts to one another while the profile inserts are disposed on thespindle. While the first coupling element is a protrusion and the secondcoupling element is a recess in the illustrated embodiment, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, the coupling elements maybe other structures (e.g., magnet(s), hook and loop fastener(s), etc.)configured to engage one another to couple the profile inserts to oneanother, or the profile inserts may be coupled to one another by anadhesive connection or a welded connection, for example. Furthermore, incertain embodiments, the profile inserts of each rank may be coupled toone another by multiple connection systems. For example, the profileinserts of each rank may be coupled to one another by the illustratedprotrusion/recess connection and by an adhesive connection. Furthermore,while each rank includes two profile inserts in the illustratedembodiment, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments,each rank may be formed from more or fewer profile inserts (e.g., 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, or more) coupled to one another to form an annular structurearound the spindle.

In the illustrated embodiment, each profile insert 122 includes threeprofiled longitudinal extensions 142 (e.g., first longitudinalextensions, locking elements) on a longitudinally outward side 144(e.g., first longitudinal side) of the profile insert 122. In addition,each profile insert 122 includes three substantially flat longitudinalextensions 146 (e.g., second longitudinal extensions, locking elements)on a longitudinally inward side 148 (e.g., second longitudinal side) ofthe profile insert 122. The profiled longitudinal extensions on theprofile inserts 122 of the first rank 132 are configured to engageopenings 150 in the first ring 124, and the profiled longitudinalextensions 142 on the profile inserts 122 of the second rank 134 areconfigured to engage openings in the third ring 128. In addition, thesubstantially flat longitudinal extensions 146 on the profile inserts122 of the first rank 132 are configured to engage openings 150 in thesecond ring 126, and the substantially flat longitudinal extensions onthe profile inserts 122 of the second rank 134 are configured to engagethe openings 150 in the second ring 126. Engagement of the longitudinalextensions 142 and 146 with the corresponding openings 150 substantiallyblocks rotation of the profile inserts 122 relative to the spindle 120.While each profile insert includes three profiled longitudinalextensions and three substantially flat longitudinal extensions in theillustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, each profile insert may include more or fewer profiledlongitudinal extensions (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) and/orsubstantially flat longitudinal extensions (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ormore).

To couple each profile insert to the spindle, a first profile insert ofeach rank may be translated in a radially inward direction toward thespindle. The first profile extension may then be tilted such that thesubstantially flat longitudinal extensions contact the second ring whilethe profiled longitudinal extensions are positioned radially outwardfrom the first/third ring. The longitudinally outward side of the firstprofile insert may be rotated toward the spindle such that the profiledlongitudinal extensions engage the first/third ring. As rotation of thefirst profile insert continues, contact between a tapered surface ofeach profiled longitudinal extension and the first/third ring deformsthe ring and/or compresses the first profile insert (e.g., the profiledlongitudinal extensions of the first profile insert), thereby enablingthe first profile insert to move radially inward. Alternatively, thefirst profile insert may be compressed with a tool (e.g., clamp) tofacilitate radially inward movement of the first profile insert. Thefirst profile insert may then be translated radially inward until theprofiled longitudinal extensions and the substantially flat longitudinalextensions engage the respective openings in the rings. The secondprofile insert may be inserted in the same manner as the first profileinsert. When the second profile insert is fully inserted, theprotrusions of the profile inserts engage the recesses of the profileinserts, thereby coupling the profile inserts to one another. Inaddition, contact between the longitudinal extensions and the openingsin the rings substantially blocks rotation of the profile insertsrelative to the spindle.

In the illustrated embodiment, each profile insert 122 includes threelocking elements, such as the illustrated protrusions 152 extendinginwardly along the radial axis 112, and the driven shaft 80 of thespindle 120 includes corresponding locking elements, such as theillustrated recesses 154 extending inwardly along the radial axis 112.Engagement of the protrusions 152 with the recesses 154 substantiallyblocks rotation of the profile inserts relative to the spindle. Whileeach profile insert includes three protrusions in the illustratedembodiment, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments,each profile insert may include more or fewer protrusions (e.g., 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, or more), and the driven shaft may include a correspondingnumber of recesses. As discussed in detail below, the recesses may beparticularly shaped to facilitate manufacturing of the spindle, and theprotrusions may have respective corresponding shapes. Alternatively, theprotrusions may be substantially the same shape as one another, and thecorresponding recesses may be substantially the same shape as oneanother.

While the illustrated profile inserts 122 include longitudinalextensions 142 and 146, and the rings of the spindle 120 includeopenings 150, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments,one or more profile inserts may include one or more openings and/orrecesses, and the ring(s) of the spindle may include one or morecorresponding longitudinal extensions configured to engage theopening(s)/recess(es) of the profile insert(s) to substantially blockrotation of the profile inserts relative to the spindle. In addition,while the illustrated profile inserts 122 include protrusions 152, andthe driven shaft 80 of the spindle 120 includes recesses 154, it shouldbe appreciated that in alternative embodiments, one or more profileinserts may include one or more openings and/or recesses, and the drivenshaft of the spindle may include corresponding protrusion(s) configuredto engage the opening(s)/recess(es) of the profile insert(s) tosubstantially block rotation of the profile insert(s) relative to thespindle. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the longitudinalextension/opening interface and/or the protrusion/recess interface maybe omitted, and/or other locking element(s) suitable for non-rotatablycoupling the profile inserts to the spindle (e.g., an adhesiveconnection, a latch mechanism, etc.) may be utilized. In certainembodiments, the profile inserts may not be coupled to one another. Insuch embodiments, each profile insert may be fixedly coupled to thespindle by a locking element (e.g., a pin, a latch, an adhesiveconnection, etc.).

In certain embodiments, the spindle may be formed by an injectionmolding process. Accordingly, the spindle may be formed from anymaterial suitable for injection molding, such as a thermoplasticpolymer. In addition, the profile inserts may be formed by a castingprocess. Accordingly, the profile inserts may be formed from anymaterial suitable for casting, such as urethane. However, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, the spindle and the profileinserts may be formed by any suitable process and from any suitablematerial. For example, in certain embodiments, the profile inserts maybe overmolded onto the spindle, thereby forming a unitary meter roller.

In the illustrated embodiment, the profile inserts are the same as oneanother. Accordingly, the manufacturing costs associated with the meterroller may be reduced, as compared to a meter roller formed fromlocation-specific profile inserts. In addition, the profile inserts ofeach rank may be particularly selected to meter a particular material ata particular rate. For example, profile inserts having a profilesuitable for small particle size and low application rate may beutilized for the first rank, and profile inserts having a profilesuitable for small particle size and high application rate may beutilized for the second rank. In certain embodiments, the meteringsystem may include a slide configured to selectively cover the first orthe second rank. In such embodiments, the slide may be positioned toexpose the first rank a while lower application rate is desired and thesecond rank while a higher application rate is desired. Profile insertshaving any suitable profile may be utilized for the first rank and forthe second rank. Because the meter roller may be formed by selectingsuitable profile inserts and coupling the selected profile inserts tothe spindle, the manufacturing costs of the meter rollers may besignificantly reduced, as compared to the costs associated with creatinga large number of molds for a variety of respective meter rollerconfigurations (e.g., in embodiments in which the meter rollers areformed by a molding process).

In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing ring 136 is configured to belongitudinally disposed between the third ring 128 and the fourth ring130 of the spindle 120. The sealing ring 136 is also configured toextend about the entire circumference of the spindle. As previouslydiscussed, the sealing ring 136 is configured to block the flowableparticulate material from entering the interior of the spindle 120. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the sealing ring 136 includes six radialprotrusions 156 configured to engage six corresponding engagementelements, such as the illustrated openings 158, in the spindle 120.Contact between circumferential surfaces of the radial protrusions 156and corresponding circumferential surfaces of the openings 158substantially blocks circumferential rotation of the sealing ring 136(e.g., rotation about the longitudinal axis 106) relative to the spindle120. In addition, contact between longitudinal surfaces of the sealingring 136 and longitudinal surfaces of the rings substantially blockslongitudinal movement of the sealing ring 136 (e.g., movement along thelongitudinal axis 106) relative to the spindle 120. Furthermore, theradial protrusions 156 and the openings 158 are angled to establish amechanical lock between the sealing ring 136 and the spindle 120.However, in alternative embodiments, the radial protrusions/openings maybe substantially straight or any other suitable shape. Furthermore,while the illustrated sealing ring 136 includes six radial protrusions156, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, thesealing ring may include more or fewer radial protrusions (e.g., 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more), and the spindle may include a correspondingnumber of openings or recesses configured to engage the radialprotrusions. Indeed, in certain embodiments, the radial protrusions maybe omitted, and in such embodiments, the openings/recesses may also beomitted. In embodiments in which the radial protrusions are omitted,circumferential rotation of the sealing ring relative to the spindle maybe substantially blocked by friction (e.g., between a radially inwardsurface of the sealing ring and a radially outward surface of thespindle, and/or between longitudinally outward surfaces of the sealingring and longitudinally inward surfaces of the third and fourth rings).Alternatively, in embodiments in which the radial protrusions areomitted, circumferential rotation of the sealing ring relative to thespindle may be enabled.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing ring 136 is formed from aresilient material (e.g., polyurethane). Accordingly, the sealing ring136 may be coupled to the spindle 120 by stretching the sealing ring andthen disposing the sealing ring longitudinally between the third ring128 and the fourth ring 130 of the spindle 120. Contraction of thesealing ring is then enabled such that the outer diameter of the sealingring is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the third and fourthrings. As a result, the third and fourth rings block longitudinalmovement of the sealing ring relative to the spindle. In addition, whilethe sealing ring is disposed on the spindle, the radial protrusionsengage the corresponding openings, thereby blocking circumferentialrotation of the sealing ring relative to the spindle.

In certain embodiments, the sealing ring may be coupled to the spindle(e.g., non-rotatably coupled to the spindle) by additional oralternative connection systems. For example, in certain embodiments, thesealing ring may be coupled to the spindle by an adhesive connection, byfasteners, by a latching system, or a combination thereof, among othersuitable connections. Furthermore, while the sealing ring is a singleannular element in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciatedthat in alternative embodiments, the sealing ring may be formed frommultiple (e.g., substantially rigid) arcuate segments. Each segment maybe coupled to the spindle by any suitable connection system, such as anadhesive connection or fasteners, among other suitable types ofconnections.

While the peripheral surface (e.g., outer circumferential surface) ofthe sealing ring is substantially smooth in the illustrated embodiment,it should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the peripheralsurface may include alternating flutes and recesses to form a third rankof the meter roller. For example, the first and second ranks may haveprofiles suitable for metering coarse particulate material at a highapplication rate, and the sealing ring may have a profile suitable formetering fine particulate material at a low application rate.Accordingly, in embodiments including a slide positioned over the meterroller, the slide may be positioned to expose the rank(s) suitable formetering the selected flowable particulate material. Furthermore, whilethe illustrated spindle is configured to establish two or three ranks(e.g., depending on whether the sealing ring includes a profile), itshould be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the spindle maybe configured to establish more or fewer ranks (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,or more).

FIG. 10 is an exploded front perspective view of the meter roller 28 ofFIG. 7. As illustrated, each profile insert 122 of the first rank 132includes three profiled longitudinal extensions 142 on thelongitudinally outward side 144 of the profile insert 122. In addition,each profile insert 122 of the second rank 134 includes threesubstantially flat longitudinal extensions 146 on the longitudinallyinward side 148 of the profile insert 122. As previously discussed, theprofiled longitudinal extensions 142 on the profile inserts 122 of thefirst rank 132 are configured to engage the openings 150 in the firstring 124, and the profiled longitudinal extensions on the profileinserts 122 of the second rank 134 are configured to engage the openings150 in the third ring 128. Furthermore, the substantially flatlongitudinal extensions on the profile inserts 122 of the first rank 132are configured to engage the openings 150 in the second ring 126, andthe substantially flat longitudinal extensions 146 on the profileinserts 122 of the second rank 134 are configured to engage the openings150 in the second ring 126. Engagement of the longitudinal extensions142 and 146 with the corresponding openings 150 substantially blocksrotation of the profile inserts 122 relative to the spindle 120 aboutthe longitudinal axis 106.

As previously discussed, the sealing ring 136 includes six radialprotrusions 156 configured to engage six corresponding openings 158 inthe spindle 120. Contact between circumferential surfaces of the radialprotrusions 156 and corresponding circumferential surfaces of theopenings 158 substantially blocks circumferential rotation of thesealing ring 136 (e.g., rotation along the circumferential axis 102)relative to the spindle 120. In addition, contact between longitudinalsurfaces of the sealing ring 136 and longitudinal surfaces of the ringssubstantially blocks longitudinal movement of the sealing ring 136(e.g., movement along the longitudinal axis 106) relative to the spindle120. In addition, the radial protrusions 156 and the openings 158 areangled to establish a mechanical lock between the sealing ring 136 andthe spindle 120.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the meter roller 28 of FIG. 7,taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 7. As illustrated, the profile inserts122 and the sealing ring 136 are engaged with the spindle 120, therebyforming the meter roller 28. As illustrated, the profiled longitudinalextensions 142 on the profile inserts 122 of the first rank 132 areengaged with the openings 150 in the first ring 124, and the profiledlongitudinal extensions 142 on the profile inserts 122 of the secondrank 134 are engaged with the openings 150 in the third ring 128.Furthermore, the substantially flat longitudinal extensions 146 on theprofile inserts 122 of the first rank 132 are engaged with the openings150 in the second ring 126, and the substantially flat longitudinalextensions 146 on the profile inserts 122 of the second rank 134 areengaged with the openings 150 in the second ring 126. Engagement of thelongitudinal extensions 142 and 146 with the corresponding openings 150substantially blocks rotation of the profile inserts 122 relative to thespindle 120 about the longitudinal axis 106.

In the illustrated embodiment, the laterally inward side 148 of eachprofile insert 122 of the first rank 132 is configured to contact afirst surface 160 of the second ring 126 of the spindle 120. Inaddition, the laterally inward side 148 of each profile insert 122 ofthe second rank 134 is configured to contact a second surface 162 of thesecond ring 126 of the spindle 120, longitudinally opposite the firstsurface 160. Because the profile inserts contact the second ring onopposite longitudinal surfaces, the profile inserts may support thesecond ring, thereby increasing the longevity of the meter roller.

In the illustrated embodiment, the radially outward surfaces 164 of theopenings 150 in the first ring 124 and the third ring 128 of the spindle120 are angled, thereby forming respective points 166 at thelongitudinally inward ends of the openings 150. The points 166 areconfigured to engaged the profiled longitudinal extensions 142, therebyblocking outward movement of the profile inserts 122 along the radialaxis 112. As a result, the profile inserts 122 are substantially fixedlycoupled to the spindle 120. While the radially outward surfaces of theopenings in the first and third rings are angled in the illustratedembodiments, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodimentsthe radially outward surfaces may have other suitable shapes, such assubstantially flat or curved, among other suitable shapes. In addition,in certain embodiments, the profiled longitudinal extensions may beomitted, and in such embodiments, the openings in the first and thirdrings may be omitted.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the meter roller 28 of FIG. 7,taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 7. As illustrated, the protrusions 152 ofthe profile inserts 122 are engaged with the recesses 154 of the drivenshaft 80 of the spindle 120. As previously discussed, engagement of theprotrusions 152 and the recesses 154 substantially blocks rotation ofthe profile inserts 122 relative to the spindle 120. In the illustratedembodiment, each profile insert 122 includes a first protrusion 168having angled circumferential sides 170. In addition, the driven shaft80 of the spindle 120 includes corresponding first recesses 172 havingangled circumferential sides 174. The angle of each circumferential side170 of each first protrusion 168 (e.g., relative to the radial axis 112)is substantially equal to the angle of each respective circumferentialside 174 of each first recess 172, thereby facilitating contact betweenthe respective sides. The angle of each side may be particularlyselected to facilitate injection molding of the spindle and/or tofacilitate insertion of the protrusion into the respective recess.

Furthermore, each profile insert 122 includes two second protrusions 176each having an angled circumferential side 178 and a substantially flatcircumferential side 180. As illustrated, the angled circumferentialside 178 faces toward the first protrusion 168, and the substantiallyflat circumferential side 180 faces away from the first protrusion 168.The driven shaft 80 of the spindle 120 includes corresponding secondrecesses 182 having an angled circumferential side 184 and asubstantially flat circumferential side 186. The angle of the angledcircumferential side 178 of each second protrusion 176 (e.g., relativeto the radial axis 112) is substantially equal to the angle of theangled circumferential side 184 of each second recess 182, therebyfacilitating contact between the respective angled circumferentialsides. The angle of each angled side may be particularly selected tofacilitate injection molding of the spindle and/or to facilitateinsertion of the protrusion into the respective recess.

While each protrusion and each recess includes an angled circumferentialside in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that inalternative embodiments, each protrusion and each corresponding recessmay have another suitable shape that facilitates manufacturing of thespindle and/or the profile inserts, and/or facilitates insertion of theprotrusions into the respective recesses. Furthermore, in certainembodiments, the protrusions may be substantially the same shape as oneanother, and the corresponding recesses may be substantially the sameshape as one another, thereby enabling each profile insert to beinstalled on the spindle at any suitable circumferential position. Inaddition, while each profile insert includes three protrusions in theillustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, each profile insert may include more or fewer protrusions(e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more), and the spindle may include acorresponding number of recesses (e.g., for each of the attachedinserts). Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiment includesprotrusion and recesses, it should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, the spindle and the profile inserts may include otherlocking element(s) (e.g., an adhesive connection, a latch system, etc.)to non-rotatably couple the profile inserts to the spindle.

As illustrated, the protrusion 138 of each profile insert 122 is engagedwith a corresponding recess 140 of the other profile insert 122, therebycoupling the profile inserts to one another. In the illustratedembodiment, each protrusion 138 includes angled surface 188 configuredto facilitate insertion of the protrusion 138 into the respective recess140. As illustrated, a width 190 of an opening 192 to the recess 140 isless than a maximum width 194 of the protrusion 138. Accordingly, duringinsertion of the protrusion 138 into the recess 140, contact between thewalls of the opening 192 and the angled surfaces 188 compresses theprotrusion and/or expands the opening, thereby enabling the protrusionto engage the recess. Once the protrusion 138 is engaged with the recess140, movement of the protrusion 138 away from the recess 140 is blockedby contact between blocking surfaces 196 that form a portion of therecess 140 and corresponding surfaces 198 of the protrusion 138.Accordingly, while the protrusions 138 are engaged with the recesses140, the respective profile inserts 122 are coupled to one another.

While each protrusion 138 includes angled surfaces in the illustratedembodiment, it should be appreciated that the protrusion may have othersuitable shapes in alternative embodiments. Furthermore, while theillustrated profile inserts are coupled to one another by theinterlocked protrusions/recesses in the illustrated embodiment, itshould be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the profileinserts may be coupled to one another by other suitable couplingsystems, such as magnet(s), hook and loop fastener(s), or an adhesiveconnection, among other suitable coupling systems. In furtherembodiments, the coupling elements may be omitted and each profileinsert may be fixedly coupled to the spindle.

As previously discussed, the meter roller 28 includes multiple flutes 32and recesses 34 arranged in an alternating pattern along thecircumferential axis 102 of the meter roller 28. The flutes and recessesare configured to meter the flowable particulate material from a storagetank to a material distribution system via rotation of the meter roller.In the illustrated embodiment, a circumferential extent 200 of eachflute 32 is greater than a circumferential extent 202 of each recess 34along an entire longitudinal extent of the flute and the recess. Incertain embodiments, a ratio of the circumferential extent 200 of eachflute 32 to the circumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 may beabout 100 to about 300 percent, about 120 to about 250 percent, about135 to about 200 percent, or about 150 percent. Furthermore, in certainembodiments, the ratio of the circumferential extent 200 of each flute32 to the circumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 may be at least100 percent, at least 125 percent, at least 150 percent, at least 175percent, at least 200 percent, at least 250 percent, or at least 300percent. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the circumferential extent200 of each flute 32 is at least 1.5 times greater than thecircumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 (e.g., ratio of at least150 percent) along an entire longitudinal extent of the flute and therecess. Utilizing flutes with a larger circumferential extent relativeto the circumferential extent of the recesses may substantially reducethe amount of flowable particulate material that bypasses the meterroller during operation of the metering system, thereby increasing theaccuracy of the metering process.

In the illustrated embodiment, each recess 34 has an arcuate concavecross-section. However, it should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, each recess may have another shape suitable for receivingflowable particulate material (e.g., a polygonal cross-section, etc.).In addition, each flute 32 has an arcuate convex cross-section. However,it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, each flute mayhave another shape suitable for blocking the flow of particulatematerial around the meter roller (e.g., a polygonal cross-section,etc.). Furthermore, a depth 204 of each recess 34 (e.g., extent of therecess along the radial axis 112) may be particularly selected to meterthe flowable particulate material at a target rate.

While all of the recesses in the illustrated embodiment havesubstantially equal depths and circumferential extents, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, the depth and/orcircumferential extent of one recess may be different than the depthand/or circumferential extent of another recess. In addition, while allof the flutes in the illustrated embodiment have substantially equalcircumferential extents, it should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, the circumferential extent of one flute may be differentthan the circumferential extent of another flute. For example, incertain embodiments, the circumferential extent of one flute may be atleast 1.5 times greater than the circumferential extent of an adjacentrecess, and the circumferential extent of another flute may be less than1.5 times greater than the circumferential extent of an adjacent recess.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the meter roller 28 ofFIG. 7. As illustrated, the radial protrusions 156 of the sealing ring136 are engaged with the corresponding openings 158 in the spindle 120.Contact between circumferential surfaces 206 of the radial protrusions156 and corresponding circumferential surfaces 208 of the openings 158substantially blocks circumferential rotation of the sealing ring 136(e.g., rotation about the longitudinal axis 106) relative to the spindle120. In addition, the radial protrusions 156 and the openings 158 areangled to establish a mechanical lock between the sealing ring 136 andthe spindle 120. However, in alternative embodiments, the radialprotrusions/openings may be substantially straight or any other suitableshape. In addition, in certain embodiments, the radial protrusions maybe configured to interlock with the corresponding openings to blockradially movement (e.g., movement along the radial axis 112) of thesealing ring relative to the spindle. Furthermore, as illustrated, theprofiled longitudinal extensions 142 on the longitudinally outward side144 of the profile inserts 122 of the second rank 134 are engaged withthe openings 150 in the third ring 128. As previously discussed,engagement of the longitudinal extensions 142 with the correspondingopenings 150 substantially blocks rotation of the profile inserts 122relative to the spindle 120 about the longitudinal axis 106.

FIG. 14 is a back view of the sealing ring 136 of FIG. 9. Asillustrated, the sealing ring 136 includes six radial protrusions 156,each extending inwardly along the radial axis 112. In the illustratedembodiment, the radial protrusions 156 are substantially equally spacedapart from one another along the circumferential axis 102. However, itshould be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the radialprotrusions may be positioned in any suitable location along the innersurface of the sealing ring 136. Furthermore, while the illustratedsealing ring 136 includes six radial protrusions 156, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, the sealing ring mayinclude more or fewer radial protrusions (e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, or more).

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing ring 136 of FIG. 9,taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14. As illustrated, each radialprotrusion 156 includes an angled surface 206 that tapers along thelongitudinal axis 106. In addition, the angled surfaces 206 taper alongthe radial axis 112. The angles of the angled surfaces may beparticularly selected to facilitate installation of the sealing ring 136on the spindle and to establish a mechanical lock between the sealingring and the spindle.

FIG. 16 is a top view of an embodiment of a profile insert 210 that maybe used on the meter roller of FIG. 7. As previously discussed, aprofile insert suitable for a particular flowable particulate materialand/or distribution rate may be coupled to the spindle to establish adesired meter roller profile. In the illustrated embodiment, thelongitudinal axis 114 of each flute 32 and the longitudinal axis 118 ofeach recess 34 are orientated at an angle 212 relative to the rotationalaxis 116 of the meter roller/profile insert. In certain embodiments, theangle 212 may be between about 1 degree and about 45 degrees, about 2degrees and about 30 degrees, about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees, orabout 5 degrees and about 10 degrees. Furthermore, in certainembodiments, the angle may be at least 1 degree, at least 2 degrees, atleast 5 degrees, at least 10 degrees, or at least 15 degrees. The anglemay be selected to enhance the uniformity of distribution of theflowable particulate material from the profile inserts. While the anglesof the flutes and the recesses are substantially equal to one another inthe illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, the profile insert may include flutes and/or recessesoriented at different angles.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the profile insert 210 of FIG. 16. In theillustrated embodiment, the circumferential extent 200 of each flute 32is greater than the circumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 alongthe entire longitudinal extent of the flute and the recess. In certainembodiments, a ratio of the circumferential extent 200 of each flute 32to the circumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 may be about 100 toabout 300 percent, about 120 to about 250 percent, about 135 to about200 percent, or about 150 percent. Furthermore, in certain embodiments,the ratio of the circumferential extent 200 of each flute 32 to thecircumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 may be at least 100percent, at least 125 percent, at least 150 percent, at least 175percent, at least 200 percent, at least 250 percent, or at least 300percent. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the circumferential extent200 of each flute 32 is at least 1.5 times greater than thecircumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 (e.g., ratio of at least150 percent) along an entire longitudinal extent of the flute and therecess. Utilizing flutes with a larger circumferential extent relativeto the circumferential extent of the recesses may substantially reducethe amount of flowable particulate material that bypasses the meterroller during operation of the metering system, thereby increasing theaccuracy of the metering process.

In the illustrated embodiment, each recess 34 has an arcuate concavecross-section. However, it should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, each recess may have another shape suitable for receivingflowable particulate material (e.g., a polygonal cross-section, etc.).In addition, each flute 32 has an arcuate convex cross-section. However,it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, each flute mayhave another shape suitable for blocking the flow of particulatematerial around the meter roller (e.g., a polygonal cross-section,etc.). Furthermore, a depth 204 of each recess 34 (e.g., extent of therecess along the radial axis 112) may be particularly selected to meterthe flowable particulate material at a target rate.

While all of the recesses in the illustrated embodiment havesubstantially equal depths and circumferential extents, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, the depth and/orcircumferential extent of one recess may be different than the depthand/or circumferential extent of another recess. In addition, while allof the flutes in the illustrated embodiment have substantially equalcircumferential extents, it should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, the circumferential extent of one flute may be differentthan the circumferential extent of another flute. For example, incertain embodiments, the circumferential extent of one flute may be atleast 1.5 times greater than the circumferential extent of an adjacentrecess, and the circumferential extent of another flute may be less than1.5 times greater than the circumferential extent of an adjacent recess.

FIG. 18 is a top view of another embodiment of a profile insert 214 thatmay be used on the meter roller of FIG. 7. In the illustratedembodiment, each flute 32 extends along a curved path between a firstlongitudinal end of the flute (e.g., at the longitudinally outward side144 of the profile insert 214) and a second longitudinal end of theflute (e.g., at the longitudinally inward side 148 of the profile insert214). In addition, each recess 34 extends along a curved path between afirst longitudinal end of the recess (e.g., at the longitudinallyoutward side 144 of the profile insert 214) and a second longitudinalend of the recess (e.g., at the longitudinally inward side 148 of theprofile insert 214). While the path of each flute and recess iscontinuously curved between the longitudinally outward side and thelongitudinally inward side of the profile insert, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, the path may include one ormore substantially straight (e.g., angled) portions. In addition, thedegree of curvature of each flute and/or each recess may vary along thepath. Indeed, the path of each flute and each recess may be selected toenhance the uniformity of distribution of the flowable particulatematerial from the profile insert. While the flutes and the recessesfollow substantially the same curved paths in the illustratedembodiment, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments,the profile insert may include flutes and/or recesses that followdifferent paths between the longitudinally outward side and thelongitudinally inward side of the profile insert.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the profile insert 214 of FIG. 18. In theillustrated embodiment, the circumferential extent 200 of each flute 32is greater than the circumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 alongthe entire longitudinal extent of the flute and the recess. In certainembodiments, a ratio of the circumferential extent 200 of each flute 32to the circumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 may be about 100 toabout 300 percent, about 120 to about 250 percent, about 135 to about200 percent, or about 150 percent. Furthermore, in certain embodiments,the ratio of the circumferential extent 200 of each flute 32 to thecircumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 may be at least 100percent, at least 125 percent, at least 150 percent, at least 175percent, at least 200 percent, at least 250 percent, or at least 300percent. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the circumferential extent200 of each flute 32 is at least 1.5 times greater than thecircumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 (e.g., ratio of at least150 percent) along an entire longitudinal extent of the flute and therecess. Utilizing flutes with a larger circumferential extent relativeto the circumferential extent of the recesses may substantially reducethe amount of flowable particulate material that bypasses the meterroller during operation of the metering system, thereby increasing theaccuracy of the metering process.

In the illustrated embodiment, each recess 34 has an arcuate concavecross-section. However, it should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, each recess may have another shape suitable for receivingflowable particulate material (e.g., a polygonal cross-section, etc.).In addition, each flute 32 has an arcuate convex cross-section. However,it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, each flute mayhave another shape suitable for blocking the flow of particulatematerial around the meter roller (e.g., a polygonal cross-section,etc.). Furthermore, a depth 204 of each recess 34 (e.g., extent of therecess along the radial axis 112) may be particularly selected to meterthe flowable particulate material at a target rate.

While all of the recesses in the illustrated embodiment havesubstantially equal depths and circumferential extents, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, the depth and/orcircumferential extent of one recess may be different than the depthand/or circumferential extent of another recess. In addition, while allof the flutes in the illustrated embodiment have substantially equalcircumferential extents, it should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, the circumferential extent of one flute may be differentthan the circumferential extent of another flute. For example, incertain embodiments, the circumferential extent of one flute may be atleast 1.5 times greater than the circumferential extent of an adjacentrecess, and the circumferential extent of another flute may be less than1.5 times greater than the circumferential extent of an adjacent recess.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a further embodiment of a profile insert 216that may be used on the meter roller of FIG. 7. In the illustratedembodiment, the profile insert 216 includes a first row 218 of flutes 32and recesses 34, and a second row 220 of flutes 32 and recesses 34. Asillustrated, the flutes 32 and the recesses 34 of the first row 218 arearranged in an alternating pattern along the circumferential axis 102 ofthe profile insert 216. The flutes 32 and the recesses 34 of the firstrow 218 are configured to meter the flowable particulate material fromthe storage tank to the material distribution system via rotation of theprofile insert 216. In addition, the flutes 32 and the recesses 34 ofthe second row 220 are arranged in an alternating pattern along thecircumferential axis 102 of the profile insert 216. The flutes 32 andthe recesses 34 of the second row 220 are configured to meter theflowable particulate material from the storage tank to the materialdistribution system via rotation of the profile insert 216. Asillustrated, the flutes 32 and the recesses 34 of the second row 220 arelongitudinally offset (e.g., offset along the longitudinal axis 106)from the flutes 32 and the recesses 34 of the first row 218. Inaddition, the flutes 32 and the recesses 34 of the second row 220 arecircumferentially offset (e.g., offset along the circumferential axis102) from the flutes 32 and the recesses 34 of the first row 218.

In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis 114 of each flute32 of the first row 218 is substantially aligned with the longitudinalaxis 118 of a corresponding recess 34 of the second row 220. Inaddition, the longitudinal axis 118 of each recess 34 of the first row218 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 114 of acorresponding flute 32 of the second row 220. However, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, the longitudinal axes ofthe flutes and recesses of the two row may not be aligned with oneanother. For example, the second row may include more or fewer flutesand recesses than the first row, and/or the alternating pattern offlutes and recesses of the first row may be different than thealternating pattern of flutes and recesses of the second row (e.g., thecircumferential extent of the flutes and/or recesses may vary betweenthe rows). Furthermore, certain profile inserts may include a gap (e.g.,ridge, recess, etc.) between the first row and the second row. Inaddition, while the illustrated profile insert includes two rows, itshould be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the profileinsert may include more rows (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, or more). Thearrangement of the flutes and recesses of each row and/or the number ofrows may be selected to enhance the uniformity of distribution of theflowable particulate material from the profile insert. For example, atleast one flute and/or at least one recess of at least one row may beangled relative to the rotational axis or may follow a curved path.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the profile insert 216 of FIG. 20. In theillustrated embodiment, the circumferential extent 200 of each flute 32is greater than the circumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 alongthe entire longitudinal extent of the flute and the recess. In certainembodiments, a ratio of the circumferential extent 200 of each flute 32to the circumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 may be about 100 toabout 300 percent, about 120 to about 250 percent, about 135 to about200 percent, or about 150 percent. Furthermore, in certain embodiments,the ratio of the circumferential extent 200 of each flute 32 to thecircumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 may be at least 100percent, at least 125 percent, at least 150 percent, at least 175percent, at least 200 percent, at least 250 percent, or at least 300percent. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the circumferential extent200 of each flute 32 is at least 1.5 times greater than thecircumferential extent 202 of each recess 34 (e.g., ratio of at least150 percent) along an entire longitudinal extent of the flute and therecess. Utilizing flutes with a larger circumferential extent relativeto the circumferential extent of the recesses may substantially reducethe amount of flowable particulate material that bypasses the meterroller during operation of the metering system, thereby increasing theaccuracy of the metering process.

In the illustrated embodiment, each recess 34 has an arcuate concavecross-section. However, it should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, each recess may have another shape suitable for receivingflowable particulate material (e.g., a polygonal cross-section, etc.).In addition, each flute 32 has an arcuate convex cross-section. However,it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, each flute mayhave another shape suitable for blocking the flow of particulatematerial around the meter roller (e.g., a polygonal cross-section,etc.). Furthermore, a depth 204 of each recess 34 (e.g., extent of therecess along the radial axis 112) may be particularly selected to meterthe flowable particulate material at a target rate.

While all of the recesses in the illustrated embodiment havesubstantially equal depths and circumferential extents, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, the depth and/orcircumferential extent of one recess may be different than the depthand/or circumferential extent of another recess. In addition, while allof the flutes in the illustrated embodiment have substantially equalcircumferential extents, it should be appreciated that in alternativeembodiments, the circumferential extent of one flute may be differentthan the circumferential extent of another flute. For example, incertain embodiments, the circumferential extent of one flute may be atleast 1.5 times greater than the circumferential extent of an adjacentrecess, and the circumferential extent of another flute may be less than1.5 times greater than the circumferential extent of an adjacent recess.While the meter roller profiles (e.g., configurations of the flutes andrecesses) are described above with reference to a profile insert, itshould be appreciated that the meter roller profiles (e.g., the meterroller profiles described with reference to FIGS. 8, 12, and 16-21) maybe utilized on other meter rollers, such as meter rollers formed from asingle piece of material, meter rollers configured to operate without acartridge, etc.).

While only certain features have been illustrated and described herein,many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art.It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intendedto cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the truespirit of the disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A meter roller for an agricultural meteringsystem, comprising: a spindle comprising a driven shaft, a first ring,and a second ring, wherein the first ring and the second ring arerigidly coupled to the driven shaft, and the driven shaft is configuredto engage a drive shaft to facilitate rotation of the spindle; a sealingring longitudinally disposed between the first ring and the second ring,wherein the first ring and the second ring are configured tosubstantially block longitudinal movement of the sealing ring relativeto the spindle, the sealing ring is disposed about an entirecircumference of the spindle, an outer diameter of the sealing ring isless than or equal to an outer diameter of the first ring and an outerdiameter of the second ring, and the sealing ring is formed from amaterial having sufficient resilience to enable the sealing ring tostretch to facilitate disposition of the sealing ring between the firstring and the second ring.
 2. The meter roller of claim 1, wherein anouter circumferential surface of the sealing ring is substantiallysmooth.
 3. The meter roller of claim 1, wherein the spindle comprises atleast one engagement element, the sealing ring has at least one radialprotrusion extending inwardly along a radial axis of the sealing ring,the at least one radial protrusion is configured to engage the at leastone engagement element of the spindle to substantially blockcircumferential rotation of the sealing ring relative to the spindle. 4.The meter roller of claim 3, wherein the at least one radial protrusioncomprises a plurality of radial protrusions substantially equally spacedapart from one another along a circumferential axis of the sealing ring.5. The meter roller of claim 3, wherein the at least one radialprotrusion has an angled surface that tapers along a longitudinal axisof the sealing ring.
 6. The meter roller of claim 1, comprising at leastone rank positioned on an opposite longitudinal side of the second ringfrom the sealing ring, wherein the at least one rank has a flute and arecess positioned adjacent to one another along a circumferential axisof the meter roller, and the flute and the recess are configured tometer flowable particulate material from a storage tank to a materialdistribution system via rotation of the meter roller.
 7. The meterroller of claim 1, wherein the material comprises polyurethane.